State Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake: "Elections are about people and the voters… they have a right to ask question. It is certainly appropriate for us to be able to ask those questions as wel... without being accused of nefarious motives, just because we are asking." #mnleg

Kiffmeyer says she was disappointed "to see that was not done." Questions about the election, she said, "have been met with accusations and disrespect." She took umbrage with "phrases like 'no credible reports' or 'credible evidence.' "

Secretary of State Steve Simon is starting with opening remarks, calling the election a success and says the pandemic made this a unique election

"There have been no credible reports... of any voter misconduct or fraud in this election," Simon said.

Simon is not mincing words: "This hearing is not taking place in a vacuum. It is taking place in a national tidal wave of disinformation...I will not at this hearing amplify or dignfiicy conspiracy theories." He says it is dangerous and someone will get killed.

Simon says his own family has received threats. Conspiracy theories are dangerous in the long term. We need a basic and shared reality, he says. "Those lies are tearing us apart," he said. "They are poisoning our democracy."

Simon says if any members of this committee encourage, even indirectly, these conspiracies, that they are "coating themselves in a shame that will never ever wash off."

Kiffmeyer responds: Anyone would "abhor" threats and says she received threats when she was secretary of state. She pushes back, saying that asking questions about elections "in and of itself is some sort of shameful activity."

We should be able to ask those questions without being accused of some nefarious thing going on, Kiffmeyer said.

Safe to say, the gloves are OFF. Simon is essentially calling this a sham hearing. Kiffmeyer vociferously rejects that.